Program Details
Program Details
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Career Studies Certificate
Northern Virginia Community College
Program Details
Geographic Information Systems (GIS), C.S.C.
Career Studies CertificateGeographic Information Systems (GIS), C.S.C.
Northern Virginia Community College
Purpose: This program is designed to help students develop both the theoretical knowledge and a practical facility with GIS. Students who already hold a baccalaureate or master's degree will acquire the requisite skills and knowledge to switch careers, or to apply spatial analysis in their present workplaces. Students will be positioned to pursue additional coursework toward an associate degree and/or transfer to a four-year institution for further study in the geospatial, environmental, or physical sciences; in civil engineering; in information technology; or in business/marketing at a four-year institution.
Preparation: Students are expected to understand fundamental computer applications and concepts before enrolling in GIS courses.
Program Overview & Guidance
Delivery Mode
In-Person
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Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
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| Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Considerations for Selecting Degree | |
| Considerations When Selecting Courses |
|
| Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
| Doing More With Your Degree | |
| Program Successes & Highlights |
Program Credit Requirements
Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this program. lf you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college.
The table below provides the requirements to complete this program if you are not following a Transfer Guide. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You can find schools where you can take courses that will transfer and apply to this degree using the Where Can I Find An Equivalent Course feature in the Transfer Tools menu.
The table below provides the requirements to complete this program if you are not following a Transfer Guide. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You can find schools where you can take courses that will transfer and apply to this degree using the Where Can I Find An Equivalent Course feature in the Transfer Tools menu.
The program map provided below is an estimate based on courses identified as a result of reviewing your portfolio
and the requirements for the selected program.
A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
Requirements
Required Credits
Geographic Information Systems (GIS), C.S.C.
28
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
To be credited toward the certificate, a minimum grade of “C†for each class is required.
Geographic Information Systems, Career Studies Certificate
28
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
To be credited toward the certificate, a minimum grade of “C†for each class is required.
22171971 Plan GPA/Cum GPA 2025-26
28
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
AND
Transfer credits will be evaluated, and as applicable, up to 21 credits may be applied to this program.
ENG/CST Elective Requirement
3
ENG/CSTElective
3
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
May be met by ENG 111 or other ENG courses approved by a student’s advisor, or by CST 100, CST 110, CST 126, or CST 229.
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category list:
Elective Requirement
3
Elective
3
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Must be chosen from the following disciplines: GIS 200level course not specified, BIO, CHM, EGR, ENV, GEO, GOL, HIS, ITD, ITN, ITP, MKT, MTH, or PHY.
GEO Requirement
3
GEO 220
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
GIS Requirements
19
GIS 200
4
GIS 201
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
GIS 255
3
GIS 203
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
GIS 205
4
GIS 290
1
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
| Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Students who have graduated with at least an associate or bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited United States institution of higher education are considered to have fulfilled NOVA's SDV requirement. Any other course transfers are evaluated based on the student's transcript, https://www.nvcc.edu/cro/transfercredit/index.html |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | Students who have graduated with at least an associate or bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited United States institution of higher education are considered to have fulfilled NOVA's SDV requirement. Any other course transfers are evaluated based on the student's transcript. |
| Credit for Prior Learning | NOVA strives to provide students with opportunities to receive credit for prior learning while still maintaining the integrity of our academic programs. Credit for prior learning (CPL) generally refers to the process of granting college credit for learning gained in nontraditional. ways; https://www.nvcc.edu/prior-learning/ |
| Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information
Number of Transfer Students
43891
| College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Is This College Right For Me? | Our classes feature up-to-date technology and course content to prepare you for a competitive job market; We also offer courses that will transfer to colleges all over Virginia and the nation. In fact, NOVA has guaranteed admission agreements with more than 40 colleges and universities for students who meet specific requirements. |
| Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined by first semester of program placement. |
| First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined by first semester of program placement. |
| Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | https://www.nvcc.edu/gaa/ |
Where Can This Degree Transfer
This section displays degrees most closely related to this program
and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the
next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to
visit that program page.
| Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Science in Social Science Degree Communications Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Randolph-Macon College | Communication Studies (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Marymount University | Communication (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Art | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Bridgewater College | Communication, Technology & Culture Major - BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Social Sciences: Communication Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Roanoke College | Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications - General Broadcast Concentration | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Bridgewater College | Professional Writing Major - BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Regent University | B.A. in Communication Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | Hybrid |
| Averett University | Bachelor of Arts in Communication | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Averett University | Bachelor of Science in Communication | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Emory & Henry University | Media and Communication (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Arts in English, Major in Communication | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Mountain Gateway Community College | Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Eastern Shore Community College | Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate in Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts - American Sign Language/Deaf Studies Major | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Art degree in Liberal Arts: Fine Arts Major | Associate | Associate of Art | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Mountain Empire Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| New River Community College | Associate of Art in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| New River Community College | Associate of Art in Liberal Arts-Fine Arts Major | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| New River Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts-Visual Communication Design Major | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Piedmont Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Tidewater Community College | Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate of Art Degree in Liberal Arts Major in Art | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts - Major in Theatre | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts - Major in Music | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts Degree | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts Degree Fine Arts Major | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Richard Bland College | Associate of Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Major in Elementary Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Rappahannock Community College | Associate in Arts Degree in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Tidewater Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts Theatre Major | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person |
| Tidewater Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts, Communication Major | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Careers Where This Degree Applies
| O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1122.00 | Communications Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in communications, such as organizational communications, public relations, radio/television broadcasting, and journalism. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 27-3043.05 | Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers | Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
| 11-2032.00 | Public Relations Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client. | Management Occupations |
| 27-3043.00 | Writers and Authors | Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
| 27-3041.00 | Editors | Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
| 27-3023.00 | News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
| 27-3011.00 | Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio, television, or other communications media. May play and queue music, announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
| 27-3031.00 | Public Relations Specialists | Promote or create an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media. May specialize in using social media. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
| 25-1199.00 | Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | All postsecondary teachers not listed separately. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 11-3121.00 | Human Resources Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization. | Management Occupations |
| 11-3131.00 | Training and Development Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate the training and development activities and staff of an organization. | Management Occupations |
| 13-1151.00 | Training and Development Specialists | Design or conduct work-related training and development programs to improve individual skills or organizational performance. May analyze organizational training needs or evaluate training effectiveness. | Business and Financial Operations Occupations |
| 27-3099.00 | Media and Communication Workers, All Other | All media and communication workers not listed separately. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
| 13-1131.00 | Fundraisers | Organize activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. May design and produce promotional materials. May also raise awareness of the organization's work, goals, and financial needs. | Business and Financial Operations Occupations |
| 11-2033.00 | Fundraising Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate activities to solicit and maintain funds for special projects or nonprofit organizations. | Management Occupations |
Cost To Complete